This Says It All

Are you need to know about how corrupt the system is in Albany is right here in the Albany Times Union:

Senate coup participants raking it in

Highlights -

In the weeks since the Senate stalemate ended, the chamber's Democrats have showered rehabilitated turncoat Sens. Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens with hundreds of thousands of dollars in pay raises and new staff, including a newly created $120,000 job for Espada's son.

According to two Senate Democratic sources, Sen. Espada tried to hire his son directly, which would have been illegal. A provision in the state's public officers law enacted in 2007 expressly forbids elected state officials from directly hiring family members.

The Senate Democratic leadership was informed of the legal conflict, but "it appears they found an alternative solution," the source said.

Espada:
Promoted to the position of Senate majority leader.
Given additional office space.
His son, Pedro G. Espada, was hired by the Senate to a newly created $120,000 job.
He hired friend and fellow coup conspirator Steve Pigeon as his $150,253 counsel.

Monserrate:
Reinstated as Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee. (Monserrate was stripped of the title after being indicted for allegedly slashing his girlfriend with a broken glass. He received its $12,500 stipend in July.)
Awarded staff raises and hired two new staffers, costing the state an estimated additional $150,000 a year.

 Only in Albany does it pay to be corrupt!